The Miami Dolphins hold 10 picks in the 2025 NFL draft, including an initial second-round selection and potential compensatory selections. General Manager Chris Grier will seek to support coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa by selecting offensive line picks – particularly guards – from this draft pool.
Securing talented safeties will also be of key importance, especially with free agent Jevon Holland set to depart the team and require replacement.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or top players list of Miami Dolphins Draft Picks 2025.
1. Xavier Watts (Notre Dame)
Xavier Watts stands out as one of the more instinctive safeties in this class, possessing an acute eye for football. Over the last two seasons he recorded 13 interceptions. As well as man and zone coverage he also displays strength when run supporting; getting quickly in position to tackle ball carriers quickly while doing it with physicality.
Watts is an exceptional big safety who moves well for his size. He possesses a powerful backpedal and quick footwork in coverage that allows him to maintain leverage and cushion. In zone coverage he displays excellent awareness as he quickly diagnoses routes; unfortunately his effectiveness in man coverage suffers as he finds it hard to transition out of deep half coverage and experiences some tightness when trying to break down faster receivers.
Watts is an aggressive safety who plays with tremendous intensity on every snap, featuring outstanding tackling ability and being an obstacle for offensive linemen in the passing game. Watts had an outstanding 2024 season grading out well at defensive back for PFF.
The Miami Dolphins must replace both Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer through free agency, so Xavier Watts could become their Day 1 starter in defensive back coverage. Watts can perform both man coverage as well as zone coverage; his ideal position lies closer to the line-of-scrimmage.
Malaki Starks of Georgia could serve as an effective replacement for Holland. The safety is capable of playing both man and zone defense, with great feel in run support. He can drop into a robber role and excels at playing underneath zones where his downhill speed makes it more difficult for quarterbacks to fit passes through tight coverage windows.
After losing several players to free agency, the Dolphins must await to determine their compensatory pick situation following free agency losses. They shouldn’t need to worry too much about receiving a third round compensatory pick for wide receiver Cam Smith and cornerback Patrick Paul because those losses have likely been more than offset by new signings in free agency.
2. Defensive tackle Andrew Campbell (Boise State)
The 2025 draft offers Miami Dolphins many players that could help improve their defense, and one such player is Boise State defensive tackle Andrew Campbell, an elite pass rusher with good pass rush moves who also excels as an edge player and run defender who holds their own in the middle.
The Dolphins face serious questions on their offensive line this offseason, with right tackle Abraham Lucas’ injury last season and left tackle Arik Armstead likely heading toward free agency. Campbell could provide depth as an experienced backup on either side of the line and could eventually fill either role on an as-needed basis.
Nick Korte of Over The Cap anticipates that the Dolphins may receive three compensatory picks this draft: a third-rounder for losing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, fourth-rounders for losing guard Robert Hunt and seventh rounders for losing safety DeShon Elliott.
Even without receiving compensation, the Dolphins still have 10 picks they can spend this season to bolster their roster in multiple ways. From strengthening pass rush to increasing depth in secondary defense and giving Tua Tagovailoa an elite backup quarterback.
Finding more playmakers on offense is another key to improving the team. The Dolphins must address their lackluster pass rush and add more explosive plays into their offense; one way could be adding Florida wide receiver Puka Nacua, who boasts exceptional size, speed and ball skills that could prove invaluable for Miami.
Notre Dame safety Jevon Holland fits the Dolphins’ need at safety perfectly. He’s an intelligent yet physical defender with great range and coverage capabilities; strong tackler who also boasts great special team capabilities.
The Dolphins may be in the midst of a rebuild, but that should not prevent them from making some noise this season. With a talented young quarterback leading them and several quality additions on both sides of the ball, this team could shock a few people this year.
3. Safety Jevon Holland (Notre Dame)
Holland was an outstanding safety, but lacks the range or coverage instincts necessary to lead this defense. His contract expires this year and could become one of the highest-paid safeties on the open market; should Miami decide to let him go, they’d need a replacement soon afterward.
Starks has the flexibility to play both up front and deep in protection, making him an immediate contributor for this defense. He is one of the top ballhawks in his class with 13 interceptions over two seasons – an effective ballhawk who also excels as an instinctive tackler who can bring down ball carriers near the line of scrimmage.
The Dolphins have many needs that need filling, and adding Starks should help their defense significantly. However, this pick could easily change if the Dolphins believe they can get Watts later.
Watts was an exceptionally gifted safety who excelled in several facets of the game. He could play multiple positions and roles on the field and displayed great instinct for playmaking and run support, in addition to possessing great ball skills.
He’s a tough player who is adept at handling physical runners while being able to read plays well, with potential to become an impactful special teams contributor later.
Holland had an outstanding rookie season with the Dolphins but didn’t reach starting status in his second year on their roster. As a free-agent in 2025, he will need to find his ideal fit to thrive and find success again.
The Dolphins must upgrade both their pass rush and interior defensive line through free agency or through trades with other teams. Addition of Ratledge should help with this goal; however, they also need to address their guard position by signing free agents who specialize in this position. With limited cap space at their disposal, making the most out of this draft is paramount for success.
4. Offensive lineman Justin Membou (Clemson)
Armand Membou is one of the top offensive line prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, possessing all of the tools to become an elite guard starter. At his combine workouts, Membou was an outstanding performer – running an astounding 4.91 second 40-yard dash time – making him one of the fastest offensive tackles 6-4 1/4 or greater with over 332 pounds on their frame.
Membou also showed his ability to run power and pass protect during his two-year start with Missouri Tigers and earned Joe Moore Award semifinalist status in 2023. With Membou’s versatility on offense and pass protection, he could provide valuable upgrade for Miami’s offensive line this offseason.
Membou could be selected in this round as an offensive lineman and provide Miami with another solid guard option to pair with Jaxson Wright at right tackle. Unfortunately, Wright has had his share of injuries throughout his career while Membou is more athletic – an opportunity Membou will be given every chance to make an impressionful mark as an NFL starter.
The Dolphins need upgrades at multiple positions on defense, including safety (Jevon Holland could leave in free agency), cornerback (Carl Anthony isn’t guaranteed a return), defensive tackle (Tyrel Dodson may need to shift inside if Ryan Kelly leaves), as well as interior defensive help – something Membou can bring if selected by Miami as their linebackers corps.
The Dolphins will have 10 picks in this draft, including 13th overall and a potential compensatory pick at the end of round three. General Manager Chris Grier will look to support coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with multiple offensive line selections – particularly guards – who could potentially play that position in the NFL. There are at least three or four college tackles who may project as guards in 2025, and adding quality guards could increase Miami’s odds of winning games and beyond – especially given they currently boast one of the worst offenses in 2025!